13 Popular Grand Rapids, MI Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Grand Rapids in 2024

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Updated on March 28th, 2024

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With its close-knit community feeling and unique neighborhoods, Grand Rapids, MI, draws residents who are looking for a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. From the craft breweries and the scenic beauty of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to the bustling Downtown Market, there is always something to explore in Grand Rapids.

If you’re looking to live in Grand Rapids, the average rent is $1,520, while the median home sale price is $279,900. And there are plenty of neighborhoods to consider calling home. Redfin has put together a list of 13 popular Grand Rapids neighborhoods to check out. From the historic Belknap Lookout to the artsy East Hills, you’ll find a home or apartment in Grand Rapids that fits your lifestyle.

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1. Belknap Lookout

Belknap Lookout is located just north of Downtown Grand Rapids. It’s known for its proximity to the Medical Mile, which is home to several hospitals and research facilities. The neighborhood also features the historic Belknap Park, offering scenic views of the Grand River. Belknap Lookout is characterized by a mix of historic Victorian and Craftsman homes and modern condos.

Median Sale Price: $249,900

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,645 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,475

Homes for Sale in Belknap Lookout | Apartments for Rent in Belknap Lookout

2. Creston

Creston is a picturesque neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The neighborhood is home to the popular Saugatuck Brewing Co., giving it a vibrant social scene. Creston also has plenty of parks like Briggs Park, Huff Park, Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve, and Riverside Park, a green space with walking trails and picnic areas. The housing options in Creston range from apartments and duplexes to mid-century modern and traditional single-family homes.

Median Sale Price: $261,750

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,222 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,280

Homes for Sale in Creston | Apartments for Rent in Creston

3. Downtown

Downtown is the bustling entertainment hub of Grand Rapids, known for its venues, including the Van Andel Arena and The Intersection. There are also several landmarks like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Rosa Parks Circle, DeVos Place, and several local breweries. The neighborhood also has views of the Grand River from the Riveredge Trail. Downtown has historic buildings, modern high-rise condos, and plenty of loft-style apartments and contemporary architectural designs.

Median Sale Price: $451,500

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,570 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,275

Homes for Sale in Downtown | Apartments for Rent in Downtown

4. East Hills

East Hills is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios. The area has a great food scene with several local restaurants and bars. The neighborhood is also home to Cherry Park, a popular green space with playgrounds and sports facilities. East Hills has a mix of historic homes in Queen Anne and Italianate designs, as well as modern townhouses.

Median Sale Price: $295,000

Homes for Sale in East Hills | Apartments for Rent in East Hills

A carousel spins inside its gazebo on the banks of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

5. Eastown

Eastown is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, like the Circle Theatre. In this neighborhood, you can also find Wilcox Park, a green space with walking trails and community events. Eastown has plenty of historic homes and modern apartments – and the architectural styles include Dutch Colonial and Tudor Revival designs.

Median Sale Price: $315,000

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,525 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,865

Homes for Sale in Eastown | Apartments for Rent in Eastown

6. Garfield Park

Garfield Park is in south Grand Rapids and is primarily a residential area. The neighborhood is home to Garfield Park, a green space with playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts. You can also catch the Plaster Creek Trail in the Garfield Park area. The housing options in Garfield Park include single-family homes and duplexes, often Craftsman and Colonial Revival designs.

Median Sale Price: $225,000

Homes for Sale in Garfield Park | Apartments for Rent in Garfield Park

7. Heartside

Heartside is part of Downtown Grand Rapids and has a vibrant arts scene. You’ll find numerous galleries and performance spaces like The Intersection, Van Andel Arena, and Peter Martin Wege Theatre. The neighborhood is also home to Heartside Park, a green space with public art installations and events. Heartside features a mix of historic buildings and modern loft-style apartments.

Median Sale Price: $258,000

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,923 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,275

Homes for Sale in Heartside | Apartments for Rent in Heartside

8. Highland Park

Highland Park is a quaint residential area with gorgeous tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is home to Richmond Park, a green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and Grand Rapids Boulder Park. Highland Park has single-family homes and bungalows in architectural styles like Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival.

Median Sale Price: $269,000

Homes for Sale in Highland Park | Apartments for Rent in Highland Park

The Devos Place performance hall in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chapped'Lypse 2007

9. Madison Area

Madison Area is primarily a residential area where you’ll find a lot of single-family homes and duplexes. There are some local restaurants along Wealthy Street and one park, Pleasant Park Playground. Madison Area is also close to Meyer May House, a restored Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home.

Median Sale Price: $200,000

Homes for Sale in Madison Area | Apartments for Rent in Madison Area

10. Midtown

Midtown is known for its dining options along Michigan Street. You can also find the famous Fulton Street Market, a Saturday farmers’ market, and Midtown Green Park, a green space with walking trails. Midtown features historic Italianate and Greek Revival homes and modern condos.

Median Sale Price: $289,900

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,240 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500

Homes for Sale in Midtown | Apartments for Rent in Midtown

11. South East End

South East End has historic architecture and tree-lined streets, making it a great residential neighborhood to consider. The neighborhood is home to parks like Mulick Park and Martin Luther King Park, a green space with playgrounds and sports courts. The home styles in South East End include Queen Anne and Colonial Revival-style single-family homes and duplexes.

Median Sale Price: $227,450

Homes for Sale in South East End | Apartments for Rent in South East End

12. West Grand

West Grand is located on the west side of the Grand River. It has a vibrant atmosphere, lots of local businesses, and popular spots like Bridge Street Market and The Comedy Project. The neighborhood is also home to Fish Ladder Park, where you can watch fish migrate along the river, and Richmond Park, a green space with walking trails and picnic areas. In West Grand, you’ll find historic homes in styles like Craftsman and Dutch Colonial and modern apartments.

Median Sale Price: $237,450

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,449 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $825

Homes for Sale in West Grand | Apartments for Rent in West Grand

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13. Westside Connection

Westside Connection is a large residential neighborhood on Grand Rapids’ west side. The neighborhood has two major parks – The Highlands and Blandford Nature Center, both nature preserves with lots of trails and wildflowers. Westside Connection has a mix of single-family homes and duplexes.

Median Sale Price: $289,900

Homes for Sale in Westside Connection | Apartments for Rent in Westside Connection

Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com during February 2024.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
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Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about housing affordability and home interior design ideas. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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